Cornerstone Mansion Inn

Midwest Living Review

We love that someone is preserving this historic home, but wish it was a better B&B.

This 1894 mansion in Omaha's historic Gold Coast neighborhood offers seven guest rooms -- some of them suites -- all with private baths. The ground floor common rooms are richly decorated with dark wood, patterned wallpaper and antiques, and they have a welcoming feel. Unfortunately, that same quality does not extend to all the guest rooms. Our Offutt Suite rooms were adequate, but not pampering. They were furnished with a few antique pieces but mostly with what felt like garage-sale leftovers. One of the two beds was uncomfortable, and pink insulation was visible stuffed around the window air-conditioning unit. An in-room guidebook admonished guests not to interfere with the plastic sheeting covering the windows. The bathroom was clean but instead of restoring things like a strange cubby in our bathroom, the owners just covered it with plastic sheeting. In all, it just didn't feel like the suite lived up to the promise of the gorgeous exterior and main floor. Guests are encouraged to explore the house and check out the library, sun porch, parlor and gardens. We found little treats tucked here and there -- blueberry muffins in the dining room, brownies on a landing -- but when we searched the public mini fridge for water or soda, we came up empty-handed. Full breakfasts are served only at 9 a.m. weekends. Show up more than 15 minutes late, and you may be out of luck. On weekdays, guests may dine earlier on a Continental breakfast of muffins, cereal, bagels and fruit. If you're looking for lots of interaction, this isn't the place to find it. The innkeepers were polite, but not overly welcoming (a bit parental about the house rules, and no offer to carry our suitacase up the stairs to our room). The inn does offer $99 summer weeknight rates on the best available rooms, making it an affordable choice. Usual rates are $85$195.